The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF BLAIR DECKER
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HON. JOE COURTNEY
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Friday, June 11, 2021
Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the esteemed career of Blair Decker, who retires from General Dynamics Electric Boat as Vice President of Supply Chain on July 6, 2021. Mr. Decker retires from a long, dedicated career that spans more than 40 years with Electric Boat. With his service to the company in mind, Blair's leadership has been central in maintaining the quality and rate of production at Electric Boat. In leading the company's supply and by extension output capabilities, Blair's role has directly resulted in tangible benefits for our country, including the creation of thousands of jobs for Connecticut and Rhode Island's local economies and the maintenance of our national security.
Madam Speaker, by way of origin, Blair's background is a model example for contributing to one's own community after receiving an in-
state education. After graduating from Fairfield University with a bachelor's degree in Economics, Blair went on to receive a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of New Haven. Although he went on to gain additional educational experience from Penn State University and Bryant College, Blair quickly transitioned the application of the skills and knowledge he gained toward a career at Electric Boat right here in Connecticut.
During his loyal tenure at Electric Boat, Blair continuously sought to increase his role in leadership positions and level of responsibility, taking the mission of this essential company to heart. He further developed the skills from his earlier education through these new roles of responsibility--including his expert oversight of Material Acquisitions and Warehousing, Inventory Management, Material Services, Information, Document and Configuration Management as well as Supplier and Shipyard Quality Assurance.
As Vice President of Supply Chain, Blair has been responsible for cultivating the vision for organizing General Dynamic's entire Material and Acquisition Value Stream--an undoubtedly heavy influx order for the ever-increasing national security demands placed upon Electric Boat. At this crowning position, Blair has been specifically responsible for the execution of design and engineering, construction, material conveyance, supply chain development, strategic sourcing, supplier development and product life cycle support, Overall, Blair has been instrumental in the progression of General Dynamic Electric Boat's acquisitions abilities, transforming the company's reputation as a national leader in shipbuilding.
It is worth noting that Mr. Decker also sought to contribute toward the local community outside of his impressive leadership record at Electric Boat. For example, Blair previously donated his time as an active member of the Board of Directors and Trustee for the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors of the DNA-EPI Science Center and the Board of Trustees for the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts of the University of New Haven. Considering the nature of his demanding position at Electric Boat, Blair also notably served as chair of the General Dynamics Supply Chain Management Council reporting directly to the Corporation's Chief Executive Officer.
Madam Speaker, Blair's competence as an advocate for Electric Boat's mission has been incomparable. With his departure, our region and Electric Boat can find comfort in the sound supply chain infrastructure that he directly brought about. This bright future for Electric Boat will continue to mean incredible things for the second district's local economy and even more for the stability of our national security for generations to come. To that end, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in congratulating Blair Decker on his well-earned retirement, where he now goes on to spend more time with his family: his daughters Alyssa and Robyn, and his sister Beth.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 102
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